Viola Randell, from the Actors and Actresses series (N171) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1886 - 1890

This is Viola Randell from the Actors and Actresses series (N171) for Old Judge Cigarettes, made by Goodwin & Company. The sepia tone and small size, approximately 2 by 1 inches, contribute to the card's intimate feel. Looking closely, the composition is elegantly simple: a portrait of Viola Randell in profile, set against a neutral backdrop. The use of soft, diffused light enhances her features, casting a gentle shadow that adds depth to the image. The framing is tight, focusing attention on her face and upper body, creating a sense of immediacy. Randell’s representation signifies societal ideals of beauty and fame, reflecting how celebrity culture was consumed and commodified. These cards were essentially small-scale advertisements, using the allure of actresses to sell cigarettes. The formal structure of the image, therefore, carries layers of cultural and economic meaning, revealing how images mediate between desire, representation, and consumption.